Methods and systems for generating playback instructions for rendering of a recorded computer session

ABSTRACT

A type of input stored by a packet in a recorded session is identified, said recorded session comprising a plurality of packets representing display data generated by an application program. The packet is marked responsive to the type of input. A destination for rendering the contents of the packet is stored in a playback data structure, responsive to the marking.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and systems for generatingplayback instructions and, in particular, generating playbackinstructions for playback of a recorded computer session.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remote presentation protocols such as the ICA protocol manufactured byCitrix Systems, Inc., of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the X protocol by theX.org Foundation, the Virtual Network Computing protocol of AT&T Corp.,or the RDP protocol, manufactured by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond,Wash., are inherently stateful. In order to view a particular point in astream of recorded presentation protocol data, playback of the streammust begin from the very beginning of stream and played backsequentially until the particular point is encountered.

Many conventional methods for session recording operate by taking screensnapshots periodically, and some of these increase the snapshotfrequency in response to indications of potential interest gleaned fromsession activity. The sequences of images may be viewed as slide showsor using image collection management tools. Other methods may record toframe-based digital video formats such as MPG or AVI, and these areviewed with an appropriate media player such as Windows Media Player orthe QuickTime player. Many conventional methods lack the ability toreduce review time by eliminating sections showing interactions withcertain windows or applications.

Some conventional methods enable playback of recorded sessions atmultiples of real-time rate. A user can choose to play back at any oneof those multiples, and may change the speed multiplier during playback.However, because the user is unaware of what is about to be rendered,they are prone to turning the speed up during sections of low interestand then missing details when sections of higher interest start.Furthermore, even speeds many times faster than real time aresubjectively slow when reviewing lengthy sections of insignificant useractivity.

Many conventional systems attempt to optimize playback by minimizingsnapshot generation to increase the speed of stream traversal. In someinstances, some of these systems perform less frequent screen snapshotsuntil significant activity is detected, and then increasing thefrequency of snapshots. Some of these systems may suffer the drawback oflosing state when inputs and state changes between snapshots are notcaptured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for recording and playback ofremote presentation protocols such as the ICA protocol manufactured byCitrix Systems, Inc., of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the X protocol by theX.org Foundation, the Virtual Network Computing protocol of AT&T Corp.,or the RDP protocol, manufactured by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond,Wash. The present invention reduces the time spent manually reviewingsession recordings by removing from playback one or more sections of therecording where it can be algorithmically determined that nothing ofsignificance occurs. The present invention provides a directed playback,i.e. an alternative rendering of the recorded session. The inventionenhances the off-screen rendering operation to generate a playback datastructure that describes how to perform the directed playback, and usesthat playback data structure to control the on-screen rendering process.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for generatingplayback instructions for rendering a recorded session. A type of inputstored by a packet in a recorded session is identified, said recordedsession comprising a plurality of packets representing display datagenerated by an application program. The packet is marked responsive tothe type of input. A destination for rendering the contents of thepacket is stored in a playback data structure, responsive to themarking.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for eliminatinga period of inactivity in rendering a recorded session. A first packetin a recorded session is identified, said recorded session comprising aplurality of packets and representing display data. A second packet inthe recorded session is identified, said second packet immediatelypreceding the first packet. A first time interval between the firstpacket and the second packet is determined. It is determined that thefirst time interval exceeds a threshold. The contents of the recordedsession with a second time interval between the first packet and thesecond packet, said second time interval comprising a shorter timeinterval than the first time interval. In one embodiment, the secondpacket immediately follows the first packet.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method foreliminating a period of inactivity in rendering a recorded session. Afirst time interval is determined between a marked packet and a nearestprevious marked packet in a recorded session, said recorded sessioncomprising a plurality of packets and representing display data. It isdetermined that the first time interval exceeds a threshold. Thecontents of the recorded session are rendered with a second timeinterval between the marked packet and the nearest previous markedpacket, said second time interval comprising a shorter time intervalthan the first time interval.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a method foreliminating graphics updates in rendering a recorded session. A packetin a recorded session representing display data generated by anapplication program is identified, said packet containing a firstgraphics update. A screen region affected by the first graphics updateis determined. An indication is stored of the state of the screen regionafter the first graphics update and the location of the screen region. Asecond graphics update affecting the screen region within a timeinterval is identified. A destination for rendering a second packetcontaining the second graphic update affecting the screen region isindicated in a playback data structure, responsive to whether the stateof the screen region after the second graphics update varies from thestate of the screen region after the first graphics update. A timeinterval to render associated with the second packet containing thesecond graphic update affecting the screen region is indicated in aplayback data structure, responsive to whether the state of the screenregion after the second graphics update varies from the state of thescreen region after the first graphics update.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method foreliminating interaction sequences in rendering a recorded session.Responsive to a policy, a start of an interaction sequence of at leastone packet is identified. It is indicated in a playback data structurethat the interaction sequence should render to a buffer. A terminationof an interaction sequence is identified. A first time interval isidentified between a packet preceding the identified start of theinteraction sequence and a packet following the identified terminationof the interaction sequence. A second time interval to render shorterthan the first time interval is indicated in a playback data structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention will be readily apparent fromthe detailed description below and the appended drawings, which aremeant to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting a client-server system suitable forpracticing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B and 1C are block diagrams depicting embodiments of computersuseful in connection with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of the network 200 inwhich the present invention may be performed;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are block diagrams depicting alternate embodiments ofplacements for a recorder on the network 200;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a system forregenerating display data represented by a protocol data stream;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting a method for recording and replayingserver-generated data;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting in greater detail a recorder in asystem for recording display data represented by a protocol data stream;

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a recording of a protocol data stream;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken ina method for real-time seeking during playback of stateful remotepresentation protocols;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken togenerate state-snapshots enabling real-time seeking during playback ofremote presentation protocols;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting a system for real-time seekingduring playback of stateful remote presentation protocols;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of steps taken foradaptive generation of state-snapshots;

FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting three types of seek probabilitydistributions of one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of generatingstate-snapshots responsive to a determined seek probabilitydistribution;

FIG. 15 depicts one embodiment of a usage pattern for a user of apresentation of a protocol data stream;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a system foradaptive generation of state-snapshots, including a background protocolengine, a foreground protocol engine, a protocol data stream, anactivity profile, and a state-snapshot;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a system forrendering a recorded session;

FIG. 18, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of the steps taken togenerate playback instructions for playback of a recorded computersession;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken ina method for playback of a recorded computer session;

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken togenerate playback instructions for rendering a recorded session;

FIG. 21 depicts one embodiment of a regenerated recorded stream whosecontents are rendered responsive to a playback data structure;

FIG. 22 depicts one embodiment of certain packets in a recording streamhaving content representing meaningful user activity, in this embodimenta mouse input indicating an active mouse button state;

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken toeliminate periods with no meaningful activity in rendering a recordedsession;

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken toeliminate a graphics update in rendering a recorded session;

FIG. 25 depicts one embodiment of rendering a regenerated recordedsession responsive to whether the state of the screen region after asecond graphics update varies from the state of the screen region aftera first graphics update;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken toeliminate interaction sequences in rendering a recorded session;

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps taken inautomatic time-warped playback in rendering a recorded computer session;

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the steps takenfor automatic time-warped playback responsive to an identifiedapplication in rendering a recorded computer session; and

FIG. 29 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a system forautomatic time-warped playback in rendering a recorded computer session.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1A, in brief overview, one embodiment of aclient-server system in which the present invention may be used isdepicted. A first computing device 100′ (generally 100) communicateswith a second computing device 140′ (generally 140) over acommunications network 180. The topology of the network 180 over whichthe first devices 100 communicate with the second devices 140 may be abus, star, or ring topology. The network 180 can be a local area network(LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN)such as the Internet. Although only two first computing devices 100,100′and two second computing devices 140, 140′ are depicted in FIG. 1A,other embodiments include multiple such devices connected to the network180.

The first and second devices 100, 140 can connect to the network 180through a variety of connections including standard telephone lines, LANor WAN links (e.g., T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25), broadband connections (ISDN,Frame Relay, ATM), and wireless connections. Connections can beestablished using a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP,IPX, SPX, NetBIOS, NetBEUI, SMB, Ethernet, ARCNET, Fiber DistributedData Interface (FDDI), RS232, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a, IEE 802.11b,IEEE 802.11g and direct asynchronous connections).

The first device 100 can be any device capable of receiving anddisplaying output from applications executed on its behalf by one ormore second computing devices 140 and capable of operating in accordancewith a protocol as disclosed herein. The first device 100 may be apersonal computer, windows-based terminal, network computer, informationappliance, X-device, workstation, mini computer, personal digitalassistant, or cell phone.

Similarly, the second computing device 140 can be any computing devicecapable of: receiving from a first computing device 100 user input foran executing application, executing an application program on behalf ofa first device 100, and interacting with the first computing device 100using a protocol as disclosed herein. The second computing device 140can be provided as a group of server devices logically acting as asingle server system referred to herein as a server farm. In oneembodiment, the second computing device 140 is a multi-user serversystem supporting multiple concurrently active connections from one morefirst devices 100.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict block diagrams of a typical computer 100 usefulas first computing devices 100 and second computing devices 140. Asshown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, each computer 100 includes a centralprocessing unit 102, and a main memory unit 104. Each computer 100 mayalso include other optional elements, such as one or more input/outputdevices 130 a-130 b (generally referred to using reference numeral 130),and a cache memory 145 in communication with the central processing unit102.

The central processing unit 102 is any logic circuitry that responds toand processes instructions fetched from the main memory unit 104. Inmany embodiments, the central processing unit is provided by amicroprocessor unit, such as: the 8088, the 80286, the 80386, the 80486,the Pentium, Pentium Pro, the Pentium II, the Celeron, or the Xeonprocessor, all of which are manufactured by Intel Corporation ofMountain View, Calif.; the 68000, the 68010, the 68020, the 68030, the68040, the PowerPC 601, the PowerPC604, the PowerPC604e, the MPC603e,the MPC603ei, the MPC603ev, the MPC603r, the MPC603p, the MPC740, theMPC745, the MPC750, the MPC755, the MPC7400, the MPC7410, the MPC7441,the MPC7445, the MPC7447, the MPC7450, the MPC7451, the MPC7455, theMPC7457 processor, all of which are manufactured by Motorola Corporationof Schaumburg, Ill.; the Crusoe TM5800, the Crusoe TM5600, the CrusoeTM5500, the Crusoe TM5400, the Efficeon TM8600, the Efficeon TM8300, orthe Efficeon TM8620 processor, manufactured by Transmeta Corporation ofSanta Clara, Calif.; the RS/6000 processor, the RS64, the RS 64 II, theP2SC, the POWER3, the RS64 III, the POWER3-II, the RS 64 IV, the POWER4,the POWER4+, the POWER5, or the POWER6 processor, all of which aremanufactured by International Business Machines of White Plains, N.Y.;or the AMD Opteron, the AMD Athlon 64 FX, the AMD Athlon, or the AMDDuron processor, manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices of Sunnyvale,Calif.

Main memory unit 104 may be one or more memory chips capable of storingdata and allowing any storage location to be directly accessed by themicroprocessor 102, such as Static random access memory (SRAM), BurstSRAM or SynchBurst SRAM (BSRAM), Dynamic random access memory (DRAM),Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM DRAM), Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM), Extended DataOutput RAM (EDO RAM), Extended Data Output DRAM (EDO DRAM), BurstExtended Data Output DRAM (BEDO DRAM), Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), JEDEC SRAM, PC100 SDRAM, Double Data RateSDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), SyncLink DRAM (SLDRAM),Direct Rambus DRAM (DRDRAM), or Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM). In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the processor 102 communicates with mainmemory 104 via a system bus 120 (described in more detail below). FIG.1C depicts an embodiment of a computer system 100 in which the processorcommunicates directly with main memory 104 via a memory port. Forexample, in FIG. 1C the main memory 104 may be DRDRAM.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict embodiments in which the main processor 102communicates directly with cache memory 145 via a secondary bus,sometimes referred to as a “backside” bus. In other embodiments, themain processor 102 communicates with cache memory 145 using the systembus 120. Cache memory 145 typically has a faster response time than mainmemory 104 and is typically provided by SRAM, BSRAM, or EDRAM.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the processor 102 communicates withvarious I/O devices 130 via a local system bus 120. Various busses maybe used to connect the central processing unit 102 to the I/O devices130, including a VESA VL bus, an ISA bus, an EISA bus, a MicroChannelArchitecture (MCA) bus, a PCI bus, a PCI-X bus, a PCI-Express bus, or aNuBus. For embodiments in which the I/O device is an video display, theprocessor 102 may use an Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) to communicatewith the display. FIG. 1C depicts an embodiment of a computer system 100in which the main processor 102 communicates directly with I/O device130 b via HyperTransport, Rapid I/O, or InfiniBand. FIG. 1C also depictsan embodiment in which local busses and direct communication are mixed:the processor 102 communicates with I/O device 130 a using a localinterconnect bus while communicating with I/O device 130 b directly.

A wide variety of I/O devices 130 may be present in the computer system100. Input devices include keyboards, mice, trackpads, trackballs,microphones, and drawing tablets. Output devices include video displays,speakers, inkjet printers, laser printers, and dye-sublimation printers.An I/O device may also provide mass storage for the computer system 100such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive for receiving floppydisks such as 3.5-inch, 5.25-inch disks or ZIP disks, a CD-ROM drive, aCD-R/RW drive, a DVD-ROM drive, DVD-R drive, DVD-RW drive, tape drivesof various formats, and USB storage devices such as the USB Flash Driveline of devices manufactured by Twintech Industry, Inc. of Los Alamitos,Calif.

In further embodiments, an I/O device 130 may be a bridge between thesystem bus 120 and an external communication bus, such as a USB bus, anApple Desktop Bus, an RS-232 serial connection, a SCSI bus, a FireWirebus, a FireWire 800 bus, an Ethernet bus, an AppleTalk bus, a GigabitEthernet bus, an Asynchronous Transfer Mode bus, a HIPPI bus, a SuperHIPPI bus, a SerialPlus bus, a SCI/LAMP bus, a FibreChannel bus, or aSerial Attached small computer system interface bus.

General-purpose desktop computers of the sort depicted in FIGS. 1B and1C typically operate under the control of operating systems, whichcontrol scheduling of tasks and access to system resources. Typicaloperating systems include: MICROSOFT WINDOWS, manufactured by MicrosoftCorp. of Redmond, Wash.; MacOS, manufactured by Apple Computer ofCupertino, Calif.; OS/2, manufactured by International Business Machinesof Armonk, N.Y.; and Linux, a freely-available operating systemdistributed by Caldera Corp. of Salt Lake City, Utah, among others.

In other embodiments, the first device 100 or second device 140 may havedifferent processors, operating systems, and input devices consistentwith the device. For example, in one embodiment the first device 100 isa Zire 71 personal digital assistant manufactured by Palm, Inc. In thisembodiment, the Zire 71 uses an OMAP 310 processor manufactured by TexasInstruments, of Dallas, Tex., operates under the control of the PalmOSoperating system and includes a liquid-crystal display screen, a stylusinput device, and a five-way navigator device.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram depicts an embodiment of thenetwork 200 in which the invention may be performed, including a firstdevice 202, a remote presentation protocol server engine 204, a recorder206, a protocol data stream 208, a recorded protocol data stream 210, asecond device 212, a remote presentation protocol client engine 214, adisplay 216, a storage element 218, and a recorded protocol data stream220. In brief overview, the recorder 206 intercepts a protocol datastream 208. The recorder 206 copies at least one packet from theprotocol data stream and creates a recording of the protocol data stream210 using the at least one copied packet.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and in more detail, a first device 202 transmitsa protocol data stream 208 to a second device 212. In one embodiment,the first device 202 uses a remote presentation protocol server engine204 to transmit the protocol data stream 208 to the second device 212.In some embodiments, the second device 212 uses a remote presentationprotocol client engine 214 to receive the protocol data stream 208 fromthe first device 202. In some embodiments, the remote presentationprotocols comprise a thin-client protocol such as the ICA protocol,manufactured by Citrix Systems, Inc. of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the Xprotocol, the VNC protocol, or the RDP protocol, manufactured byMicrosoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.

The protocol data stream 208 comprises a plurality of packets at leastsome of which represent display data. In some embodiments, the protocoldata stream 208 comprises information about a recorded session. In oneembodiment, the protocol data stream 208 comprises metadata. In anotherembodiment, the protocol data stream 208 comprises information about theuser in a recorded session. In still another embodiment, the protocoldata stream 208 comprises information about the server generating therecorded data. In yet another embodiment, the protocol data stream 208comprises a timestamp.

In one embodiment, the protocol data stream 208 comprises multiplechannels. In this embodiment, a channel comprises a peer-to-peerconnection over which data is transferred. In another embodiment, theprotocol data stream 208 comprises multiple virtual channels. In thisembodiment, the virtual channel is a channel wrapped in another channel.The second device 212 receives the protocol data stream 208 and, in someembodiments, uses a remote presentation protocol client engine 214 toregenerate the display data. Processing the protocol data stream 208allows the second device 212 to present a display to a user through thedisplay 216. The second device 212 may use the remote presentationprotocol client engine 214 to process the display data. The displayincludes, without limitation, audio, visual, tactile, or olfactorypresentations, or combinations of these.

The recorder 206 intercepts the protocol data stream 208 sent from thefirst device 202 to the second device 212. In one embodiment, therecorder 206 intercepts the protocol data stream 208 by intercepting oneor more channels. In another embodiment, the recorder 206 intercepts theprotocol data stream 208 by intercepting one or more virtual channels.In some embodiments, the recorder 206 monitors one or more virtualchannels over which the first device 202 may transmit the protocol datastream 208 to the second device 212. The recorder 206 copies at leastone packet from the protocol data stream. In one embodiment, therecorder 206 determines to copy a particular packet of the protocol datastream responsive to a policy. In some embodiments, the policy definesthe packets the recorder 206 records based upon the type of datacontained within the packet. In other embodiments, the recorder 206determines to copy a packet of the protocol data stream based upon adetermination of whether the packet contains data. In some of theseembodiments, the recorder 206 does not record empty packets while inothers of these embodiments, the recorder 206 does record empty packets.In some embodiments, the recorder 206 records every packet in theprotocol data stream 208.

The recorder 206 creates a recorded protocol data stream 210 using theat least one copied packet. In one embodiment, the recorder 206associates information with the at least one copied packet. In oneembodiment, the recorder 206 associates a time stamp with the at leastone copied packet. In another embodiment, the recorder 206 associates adata length indicator with the packet. For embodiments where therecorder 206 associates information with the at least one copied packet,for example time stamps or data length indicator, the recorder 206 mayembed this information into the recorded protocol data stream 210 inaddition to the packet or the recorder 206 may embed this informationdirectly into the packet, or the recorder 206 may store the associationin a location separate from the packet and the recorded protocol datastream 210.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the recorder 206, may reside on the first device202. FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment in which the recorder 206 resides onthe second device, where the recorder 206 resides on the second device212. FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment in which the recorder 206 resides on athird device. The devices on which the recorder 206 may reside includeclient computing systems, server computing systems, proxy servercomputing systems, network packet sniffing computing systems, protocolanalyzer computing systems, and passthrough server computing systems.

The recorder 206 creates the recorded protocol data stream 210 using theat least one copied packet and, in some embodiments, informationassociated with the at least one copied packet. In some embodiments, therecorder 206 stores the recording of the protocol data stream 210 aftercreating it. In some of these embodiments, the recorder 206 stores therecording of the protocol data stream 210 to a storage element 218. Thestorage element 218 may comprise persistent storage, such as a harddrive, floppy drive, CD-RW, DVD-RW, or any other device, which maintainsdata state when power is removed. In other embodiments, the storageelement may comprise one or more volatile memory elements, such asStatic random access memory (SRAM), Burst SRAM or SynchBurst SRAM(BSRAM), Dynamic random access memory (DRAM), Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPMDRAM), Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM), Extended Data Output RAM (EDO RAM),Extended Data Output DRAM (EDO DRAM), Burst Extended Data Output DRAM(BEDO DRAM), Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), JEDECSRAM, PC100 SDRAM, Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM(ESDRAM), SyncLink DRAM (SLDRAM), Direct Rambus DRAM (DRDRAM), orFerroelectric RAM (FRAM).

In one embodiment the storage element comprises a network storagedevice. The storage element 218 may reside on the first device 202 or ona second device 212. In other embodiments, the storage element 218resides on a third device, such as a proxy server computing device or apassthrough server computing device. In still other embodiments, thestorage element 218 resides on a network and the recorder 206 accessesthe storage element 218 over the network to store the recording of theprotocol data stream 220. In other embodiments, the recorder 206 storesthe recording of the protocol data stream on the same device on whichthe recorder 206 resides.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram depicts a protocol engine 502reading at least one copied packet from the recording of the protocoldata stream 506 and using the information associated with the at leastone copied packet to regenerate the display data represented by theprotocol data stream 506. The protocol engine 502 receives the protocoldata stream 506. In some embodiments, the protocol engine 502 retrievesthe protocol data stream 506 from a storage element 504. In otherembodiments, the protocol engine 502 retrieves the protocol data stream506 from a recorder 206. In still other embodiments, the protocol engine502 retrieves the protocol data stream 506 from another computingdevice.

In some embodiments, the protocol engine 502 comprises a packet reader508 and a display data regeneration element 510. In these embodiments,the packet reader 508 reads at least one copied packet from therecording of the protocol data stream 506. In some embodiments, thepacket reader 508 reads the at least one copied packet sequentially fromthe recording of the protocol data stream 506.

The protocol engine 502 processes the at least one copied packet and anyinformation associated with the at least one copied packet. The protocolengine 502 uses, in some embodiments, a display data regenerationelement 510 for the processing. The packet contains data enabling theregeneration of a perceptible display presented to a user. In someembodiments, a second device 212 processed this data, as shown in FIG.2. In one embodiment, processing includes rendering to a buffer thecontents of the at least one copied packet. In another embodiment,processing includes rendering in a perceptible manner the contents ofthe at least one copied packet. The regenerated display may include,without limitation, audio, visual, tactile, or olfactory presentations,or combinations of these.

In some embodiments, the protocol engine 502 resides on the first device202. In other embodiments, the protocol engine 502 resides on the seconddevice 212. In still other embodiments the protocol engine resides on athird device, such as a proxy server computing device or a passthroughserver computing device.

Referring ahead to FIG. 7, a block diagram depicts in greater detail therecorder 702, originally described as recorder 206 in FIG. 2. In briefoverview, the recorder 702 records server-generated data throughinterception of a protocol data stream 710 and through the creation of arecording 712 of the protocol data stream 710.

The recorder 702 includes, in one embodiment, a protocol data streaminterceptor 704, a packet copier 706, and a recording generator 708. Inone embodiment, the recorder 702 uses the protocol data streaminterceptor 704 to monitor the protocol data stream 710. In anotherembodiment, the recorder 702 uses the protocol data stream interceptor702 to intercept a protocol data stream 710 comprising a plurality ofpackets transmitted from a first device 202 to a second device 212. Thepacket copier 706 copies at least one packet of the protocol datastream. The packet copier 706 determines whether or not to copy a packetin the protocol data stream. In some embodiments, the packet copier 706makes this determination responsive to a policy. In these embodiments,the packet copier 706 may determine to copy a packet based on whether ornot the packet contains any data or on the type of data contained withinthe packet.

In one embodiment, the recorder 702 utilizes a recording generator 708to create a recording of the protocol data stream using the at least onecopied packet. The recording generator assembles the at least one copiedpacket into a recording 712 of the protocol data stream 710. In someembodiments, the recording generator 708 embeds information into therecording of the protocol data stream. This information may comprise,without limitation, time references indicating when to regenerate thedisplay data represented by the data contained within the packet, datalength indicators descriptive of the data contained within the packet,or other types of information used to regenerate the display datarepresented by the data contained within the protocol data stream 710.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of the recording 712 of the protocol datastream 710. In the embodiment shown, the recording generator 708 hasgrouped at least one copied packet into remote presentation protocoldata chunks. The recording generator 708 associated a time reference anda data length with each remote presentation protocol data chunk andassembled the information and the packets together into the recording712 of the protocol data stream 710.

Referring back to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the recorder 702 stores thecompleted recording 712 of the protocol data stream 710 to a storageelement 714. In some embodiments, the storage element is located on anetwork and the recorder 702 transmits the recording 712 over a networkto the storage element 714. In other embodiments, the storage element islocated on a proxy server computing device. In still other embodiments,the storage element is located on a passthrough server computing device.In some embodiments, the storage element 714 resides on the same deviceas the recorder 702.

In one embodiment, depicted in shadow by FIG. 7, a system for recordingand playback of a protocol data stream comprises the recorder 702 aswell as the playback device 514 discussed in FIG. 5. The playback device514 includes the protocol engine 502, which uses the packet reader 508to receive and read at least one copied packet from the recording 712 ofthe packet data stream and uses the embedded information to regeneratethe display data represented by the recording 712 of the protocol datastream. In some embodiments, the protocol engine 502 reads the packetssequentially in regenerating the display data.

In another embodiment depicted by FIG. 7, a system for recording andreplaying server-generated data comprises a recorder 702, a storageelement 714, and a protocol engine 502. The recorder 702 generates arecording of a protocol data stream and stores the recording 712 in thestorage element 714. The recorder copies at least one packet from theprotocol data stream and associates information with the at least onepacket, including but not limited to a time reference or a data lengthindicator describing a length of data in the packet. The protocol engine502, in communication with the storage element 714, reads at least onepacket from the recording of the protocol data stream and usesinformation associated with the at least one packet to regenerate thedisplay data represented by the recording 712 of the protocol datastream 710.

In one embodiment, the recorder 702, protocol engine 502, or storageelement 714 may be located, together or separately on the first device202. In other embodiments, they may be located, together or separately,on the second device 212. In still other embodiments, they may reside,together or separately, on a third device, such as a proxy servercomputing device, a network packet sniffer, or a passthrough servercomputing device. In yet other embodiments, the storage element 714 mayreside on a storage area network separately from the recorder 702 andthe protocol engine 502.

Referring back to FIG. 6, a flow diagram summarizes a method forrecording and replaying server-generated data. In brief overview, arecorder 206 intercepts a protocol data stream 208 comprising aplurality of packets transmitted from a first device 202 to a seconddevice 212 (step 602). The recorder 206 copies at least one packet fromthe protocol data stream 208 (step 604) and creates a recording of theprotocol data stream 210 (step 606) which a protocol engine 502 lateruses in regenerating display data represented by the recorded protocoldata stream 210 (steps 608, 610).

A recorder 206 intercepts a protocol data stream 208 comprising aplurality of packets, representing display data transmitted from a firstdevice 202 to a second device 212. The recorder 206 copies at least onepacket of the protocol data stream 208. The recorder 206 creates arecording of the protocol data stream using the at least one copiedpacket. The recorder 206, in some embodiments, associates informationwith the at least one copied packet. The information may comprise a timestamp or a data length indicator. In some of these embodiments, therecorder 206 embeds the information associated with the packet into therecording of the protocol data stream 210. In others of theseembodiments, the recorder 206 stores the information associated with thepacket in a separate protocol data stream. In still others of theseembodiments, the recorder stores the information associated with thepacket in a data store. A protocol engine 502 reads the at least onecopied packet from the recording of the protocol data stream 210 anduses information associated with the at least one copied packet toregenerate the display data represented by the protocol data stream 210.

Referring ahead to FIG. 11, a block diagram depicts a system forreal-time seeking during playback of stateful remote presentationprotocols. In brief overview, this figure depicts an embodiment of aplayback device 514 (see FIG. 5 above) comprising two protocol engines502, a background protocol engine 1102 and a foreground protocol engine1106, as well as a state-snapshot 1104 and a display 1108. Thebackground protocol engine 1102 receives a recording of a protocol datastream 1110 and reads the recording of the protocol data stream 1110,which comprises a plurality of packets and represents display data. Inone embodiment, the playback device 514 regenerates the display data byrendering the contents of at least one packet in the protocol datastream 1110 and displaying the results using the display 1108. Theresults include, without limitation, perceptible audio, visual, tactile,or olfactory presentations.

Referring now to FIG. 11, and in greater detail, the background protocolengine 1102 enables a recipient of the rendered display data to seek forcontent in real-time during the presentation of a protocol data stream1110. The background protocol engine 1102 generates at least onestate-snapshot 1104 while reading at least one packet from the protocoldata stream 1110. In one embodiment, the background protocol engine 1102renders the contents of the at least one packet to a buffer. In thisembodiment, the buffer may comprise an off-screen buffer. In thisembodiment, the background protocol engine 1102 generates at least onestate-snapshot 1104 as it renders the contents of the at least onepacket. The background protocol engine 1102 makes the state-snapshot1104 available to the foreground protocol engine 1106.

The state-snapshot 1104 enables regeneration of display data because itstores a state of a protocol engine rendering the protocol data stream1110 at a point in time when a recorder 206 copied at least one packetfrom the protocol data stream 208 into the recording of the protocoldata stream 1110. In one embodiment, the state-snapshot 1104 comprises adata structure describing a state of a screen at a point in time. Inanother embodiment, the state-snapshot 1104 represents all thevariables, images and data components that make up the state of aprotocol engine at a reference point in the protocol data stream 1110.The foreground protocol engine 1106 also receives the recording of theprotocol data stream 1110 and renders the contents of the at least onepacket in the protocol data stream 1110 by recreating the state of theprotocol engine which originally rendered the protocol data stream 1110.In one embodiment, the foreground protocol engine 1106 uses the contentsof the state-snapshot 1104 to render the contents of the at least onepacket.

In one embodiment, the state-snapshot 1104 comprises a data structure.In other embodiments, the state-snapshot 1104 comprises a database. Inone embodiment, the contents of the state-snapshot 1104 include displaydata regarding the state of a visible surface. In another embodiment,the contents of the state-snapshot 1104 include display data regardingthe state of an off-screen surface. In yet another embodiment, thecontents of the state-snapshot 1104 include display data regarding thestate of a drawing object. In some embodiments, the contents of thestate-snapshot 1104 include display data regarding the state of a colorpalette. In other embodiments, the contents of the state-snapshot 1104include display data regarding the state of a cached object. In stillother embodiments, the contents of the state-snapshot 1104 includedisplay data regarding the state of a buffer.

The foreground protocol engine 1106 receives the recording of theprotocol data stream 1110 and uses the state-snapshot 1104 to identify apacket containing the representation of the requested digital data andto render the packet. In some embodiments, the foreground protocolengine 1106 generates a real-time perceptible representation of therecording of the protocol data stream 1110 for presentation to a viewerusing the display 1108. In some embodiments, the foreground protocolengine 1106 generates the real-time perceptible representation byrendering the contents of at least one packet in the protocol datastream 1110. The perceptible representation may include, withoutlimitation, separately or together, audio, visual, tactile, or olfactorypresentations.

In one of the embodiments in which the foreground protocol engine 1106renders the contents of at least one packet in the protocol data stream1110, the foreground protocol engine 1106 initiates rendering thecontents of at least one packet in the protocol data stream 1110simultaneous to the rendering by the background protocol engine 1102.However the background protocol engine 1102 renders only to a buffer andcompletes the rendering and the generation of the at least onestate-snapshot 1104 prior to the completion of the real-time perceptiblerendering initiated by the foreground protocol engine 1106, which, inone embodiment, renders to both a buffer and in a perceptible manner. Inone embodiment, the background protocol engine 1102 renders the protocoldata stream 1110 at a maximum possible speed regardless of anytimestamps associated with the recording which would otherwise specify atime for rendering. Therefore, at least one state-snapshot 1104 isavailable to the foreground protocol engine 1106 during its generationof a real-time perceptible representation of the recording of theprotocol data stream 1110.

In one embodiment, the foreground protocol engine 1106 renders thecontents of the plurality of packets within the recording of theprotocol data stream 1110 in a sequential manner. In this embodiment,the display data rendered and presented to the user presents the displayin the order in which it occurred at the time the protocol data streamwas recorded. The recording of the protocol data stream 1110 may includeinformation, such as time stamps, for use by the foreground protocolengine 1106 in rendering the display data sequentially. In someembodiments, the foreground protocol engine 1106 renders the displaydata in real-time. When the foreground protocol engine 1106 receives arequest to regenerate a particular display data represented by aparticular packet in the recording of the protocol data stream 1110, theforeground protocol engine 1106 renders the requested display data usingthe contents of the identified state-snapshot 1104.

In some embodiments, the background protocol engine 1102 and theforeground protocol engine 1106 reside on the same device. In otherembodiments, the background protocol engine 1102 and the foregroundprotocol engine 1106 reside on separate devices.

Referring back now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment ofthe steps taken in a method for real-time seeking during playback ofstateful remote presentation protocols. In brief overview, there is arequest for rendering of data display represented by the contents of apacket in a recording of a protocol data stream (step 902). The contentsof the appropriate packet are rendered by first identifying astate-snapshot having an associated timestamp not later than a timestampassociated with the requested packet (step 904) and rendering therequested contents responsive to the identified state-snapshot (step906).

In one embodiment, the foreground protocol engine 1106 receives arequest to render the contents of a packet in a recording of a protocoldata stream 1110. The protocol data stream 1110 comprises a plurality ofpackets whose contents represent display data. In some embodiments, therequest results when the foreground protocol engine 1106 regeneratesdisplay data by rendering the contents of a packet in a recording of aprotocol data stream 1110 to a viewer using the display 1108 and theviewer wishes to seek for a particular display data.

The foreground protocol engine 1106 identifies a state-snapshot 1104having an associated timestamp not later than a time stamp associatedwith the requested packet. The foreground protocol engine 1106 displaysthe display data represented by the contents of the requested packetresponsive to the identified state-snapshot 1104. In one embodiment, theidentified state-snapshot 1104 indicates the exact packet from theprotocol data stream 1110 whose contents the foreground protocol engine1106 may render to provide the user with the requested display data.

In other embodiments, the identified state-snapshot 1104 comprises astate of a protocol engine rendering the protocol data stream at a pointin time when a recorder copied a packet from the protocol data stream1110 but the display data represented by the contents of the copiedpacket precede the display data requested by the viewer. In some ofthese embodiments, there are multiple packets between the state-snapshotand the packet containing the representation of the requested displaydata. In some of those embodiments, the foreground protocol engine 1106renders the contents of the intermediate packet or packets only to anoff-screen buffer. The foreground protocol engine 1106 then renders thepacket whose contents represent the display data both to an off-screenbuffer and to the user in a perceptible manner. In one embodiment, theforeground protocol engine 1106 presents the display data represented bythe contents of the intermediate packets in a perceptible manner priorto the display data represented by the contents of the requested packet.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken to generate state-snapshots enabling real-time seekingduring playback of remote presentation protocols. In brief overview, thebackground protocol engine 1102 receives a recording of a protocol datastream 1110 and while regenerating display data represented by thecontents of the plurality of packets within the protocol data stream1110, generates at least one state-snapshot.

The background protocol engine 1102 receives a recording of a protocoldata stream 1110 comprising a plurality of packets (step 1002). Thebackground protocol engine 1102 generates a representation of therecording of the protocol data stream. In one embodiment, the backgroundprotocol engine 1102 generates the representation by rendering thecontents of the plurality of packets to a buffer. In some embodiments,the buffer is an off-screen buffer.

In some embodiments, the foreground protocol engine 1106 also receivesthe recording of the protocol data stream 1110. In these embodiments,the foreground protocol engine 1106 generates a human-perceptiblerepresentation of the recording of the protocol data stream, although,as discussed above, the foreground protocol engine 1106 renders both toan off-screen buffer and in a perceptible manner (step 1004). In one ofthese embodiments, the foreground protocol engine 1106 generates ahuman-perceptible representation of the recording of the protocol datastream 1110 by rendering the contents of the plurality of packetssubstantially simultaneously with the background protocol engine 1102generating at least one state-snapshot during its reading of therecording of the protocol data stream.

After the reading of the at least one packet in the recording of theprotocol data stream 1110, the background protocol engine 1102 generatesat least one state-snapshot (step 1006). In one embodiment, thebackground protocol engine 1102 generates at least one state-snapshotduring a sequential reading of the recording of the protocol data stream1110. In another embodiment, the background protocol engine 1102 readsthe at least one packet in the recording of the protocol data stream1110 substantially simultaneously with a rendering of the contents ofthe packet to a buffer. In one embodiment, the background protocolengine 1102 then stores the generated state-snapshot 1104 (step 1008).In embodiments where the background protocol engine 1102 generatesmultiple state-snapshots periodically, the state-snapshots may act asmarkers throughout the recording of the protocol data stream 1110,assisting in the location of a particular point in time in the protocoldata stream 1110 and of the packets that come before or after thestate-snapshot 1104.

Referring ahead to FIG. 12, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment ofsteps taken for adaptive generation of state-snapshots. In briefoverview, the background protocol engine 1102 monitors an activity of aviewer and generates one or more state snapshots 1104 responsive to thelevel of activity of a viewer.

During a presentation of a representation of a recording of a protocoldata stream 1110 to a user (step 1202), a background protocol engine1102 monitors an activity of the user (step 1204). In one embodiment,the foreground protocol engine 1106 generates the representation of therecording of the protocol data stream 1110 and presents it to the userwith the display 1108. In other embodiments, the background protocolengine 1102 generates the representation. In still other embodiments, athird device generates the representation.

The background protocol engine 1102 monitors an activity of the userduring the presentation (step 1204). By monitoring the activity of theuser, the background protocol engine 1102 develops an activity profileresponsive to the monitoring of the activity.(step 1206). The backgroundprotocol engine generates at least one state-snapshot 1104 responsive tothe developed activity profile (step 1208).

In some embodiments, the background protocol engine 1102 identifies alevel of activity of the user. In some embodiments, the backgroundprotocol engine 1102 identifies a period of inactivity. In otherembodiments, the background protocol engine 1102 identifies an area ofinterest to the user in the display data. The activity profile reflectsthese identifications.

The background protocol engine 1102 generates at least onestate-snapshot responsive to the activity profile. In some embodiments,the background protocol engine 1102 determines to extend an intervalbetween one or more state-snapshots. In other embodiments, thebackground protocol engine 1102 determines to reduce an interval betweenone or more state-snapshots. In still other embodiments, the backgroundprotocol engine 1102 determines to remove the at least onestate-snapshot, responsive to the activity profile. In still otherembodiments, the background protocol engine 1102 determines to add atleast one state-snapshot, responsive to the activity profile.

In one embodiment, the background protocol engine 1102 identifies apredicted statistical distribution of seek probabilities. FIG. 13 is adiagram depicting three types of seek probability distributions of oneembodiment. In this embodiment, the background protocol engine 1102collects and stores data about the seek requests made by a user. In oneembodiment, the data includes how regularly the user makes a seekrequest. In one embodiment, the data includes the range, of each seekrequest—the distance between the requested display data and the currentdisplay data presented to the user by rendering the contents of a packetin the recording of the protocol data stream 1110. The range may bedescribed in units of time or relative to the length of the entirerecording of the protocol data stream 1110. In one embodiment, thetimestamp at which the seek request was made is recorded.

FIG. 14 is a diagram depicting one embodiment of generatingstate-snapshots responsive to a determined seek probabilitydistribution. The background protocol engine 1102 uses the collectedseek request data to generate a seek probability distribution graphcentered on the currently presented display data. The backgroundprotocol engine 1102 assigns each position in the stream a valueindicating the estimated probability the user will request to seek tothe display data associated with that position. With this data, thebackground protocol engine 1102 determines where to place generatedstate-snapshots 1104 and generates the at least one state-snapshot 1104responsive to the statistical distribution of seek probabilities.

FIG. 15 depicts one embodiment of a usage pattern of the user. In oneembodiment, the background protocol engine 1102 develops an activityprofile for a user based upon a usage pattern of the user. The usagepattern reflects identified seek probabilities. Areas of higher seekprobability will be provided with a higher state-snapshot density andareas of lower seek probability will be provided with a lowerstate-snapshot density. In some embodiments, the distance between anypair of state-snapshot is inversely proportional to the average seekprobability between them. The background protocol engine 1102 expectsthe user to seek to higher probability areas, therefore the majority ofseeks will be fast as the spacing between generated state-snapshots 1104is relatively short. To ensure no individual seek request is excessivelyslow, in one embodiment the background protocol engine 1102 will imposean upper bound on the spacing of generated state-snapshots 1104 evenwhen the seek probability is very low. Likewise, in another embodiment alower bound prevents placing state-snapshots too close together in veryhigh probability areas. In some embodiments, the amount of renderingbetween adjacent state-snapshots is considered when determiningstate-snapshot placement, to minimize latency.

For embodiments with new users or users without a distinguishable usagepattern, the background protocol engine 1102 applies a defaultstate-snapshot generation pattern. This pattern assumes most seekingwill occur close to the current frame in either direction, but longrange seek performance must only be at best satisfactory. The typicaluser will demand high performance when jogging back-and-forth around thecurrent frame as many small seek steps can be achieved with jog wheelinput device. Seeking long range is less common and noticeable delaysmay be an acceptable trade-off.

If the user strays from their recognized usage pattern, the backgroundprotocol engine 1102 adjusts the state-snapshot generation patternduring live playback without the user's knowledge. The backgroundprotocol engine 1102 moves state-snapshot positions to adjust for thenew usage pattern. For example, if a user that normally seeks in smallsteps with the mouse wheel begins seeking longer range, the backgroundprotocol engine 1102 reduces the number of state-snapshots around thecurrent frame to free resources for adding state-snapshots within theareas at longer range.

FIG. 16 summarizes one embodiment of the method discussed above used ina system for adaptive generation of state-snapshots, including abackground protocol engine 1602, a foreground protocol engine 1608, aprotocol data stream 1612, an activity profile 1604, and astate-snapshot 1606. The foreground protocol engine 1608 presents arepresentation of a recording of a protocol data stream to a viewer. Thebackground protocol engine 1602 monitors an activity of the viewerduring the presentation, develops an activity profile 1604 responsive tothe monitoring and generates and maintains a state-snapshot 1606responsive to the activity profile.

Referring ahead to FIG. 18, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken to generate playback instructions for playback of a recordedcomputer session. In brief overview, a protocol engine, executing on afirst device, receives a recorded session (step 1802). The recordedstream comprises a plurality of packets representing display datagenerated by an application program executed on a second device. Theprotocol engine determines for a packet in the recorded stream, torender the contents of the packet in a human-perceptible manner (step1804). Then the protocol engine stores the determination in a playbackdata structure (step 1806).

In one embodiment, the protocol engine comprises a protocol engine 502,as described in FIG. 5 above. In other embodiments, the protocol enginecomprises a background protocol engine 1102, as described in FIG. 11. Instill other embodiments, the protocol engine comprises a foregroundprotocol engine 1106, as described in FIG. 11. In some embodiments,where the protocol engine comprises a background protocol engine 1102,the protocol engine may cease performing a functionality of a backgroundprotocol engine 1102 and begin performing a functionality of aforeground protocol engine 1106. In some embodiments, where the protocolengine comprises a foreground protocol engine 1106, the protocol enginemay cease performing a functionality of a foreground protocol engine1106 and begin performing a functionality of a background protocolengine 1102. In other embodiments, the protocol engine comprises both aprotocol engine 1102 and a foreground protocol engine 1006. In some ofthese embodiments, the background protocol engine 1102 and theforeground protocol engine 1106 reside on the same device. In otherembodiments, the background protocol engine 1102 and the foregroundprotocol engine 1106 reside on separate devices.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine determines for a packet in therecorded stream to display the packet in a human-perceptible manner(step 1804). The display includes, without limitation, audio, visual,tactile, or olfactory presentations, or combinations of these. In someembodiments, the protocol engine determines to display a packet basedresponsive to the contents of the packet. In one of these embodiments,the protocol engine makes the determination responsive to an indicationof an application program having input focus. In another of theseembodiments, the protocol engine makes the determination responsive toan evaluation of a type of user input stored in the packet. In some ofthese embodiments, the protocol engine makes the determinationresponsive to an evaluation of a type of graphics update stored by thepacket. In others of these embodiments, the protocol engine makes thedetermination responsive to an evaluation of a type of interactionsequence stored by the packet.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine stores the determination in aplayback data structure (1806). In some embodiments, a playback datastructure describes how to regenerate the display data contained withinthe recorded stream. In one embodiment, the instructions stored withinthe playback data structure control the process of rendering displaydata. In one embodiment, the playback data structure comprises a timefor rendering the contents of a packet in the recorded stream. In thisembodiment, the time contained in the playback data structure is usedfor rendering the contents of the packet and not a time of renderingassociated with the packet in the recording, if any. In one embodiment,the playback data structure accepts user input in changing the time ofrendering.

In some embodiments, the playback data structure comprises metadata thatdescribes how to perform one or more playbacks of a recorded session. Inone embodiment, the playback data structure consists of a record foreach packet in the recorded stream, indicating at what relative point intime the contents of that packet should be rendered during playback. Insome embodiments, the metadata also contains the offset within the fileof the start of the packet.

Referring back to FIG. 17, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of asystem for rendering a recorded session, including a first device 1702,a background protocol engine 1704, a playback data structure 1706, aforeground protocol engine 1708, a display 1710, a second device 1712,and a recorded stream 1714. The background protocol engine 1704 executeson a first device 1702 and generates a playback data structure 1706 inresponse to receiving a recorded stream 1714, said recorded stream 1714representing display data generated by an application program executedon a second device 1712 or on a third device. The foreground protocolengine 1708, receives the recorded stream 1714 and renders the recordedstream 1714 responsive to the playback data structure 1706 generated bythe background protocol engine 1704.

In one embodiment, the background protocol engine 1704 and theforeground protocol engine 1708 each receive the recorded stream 1714.In this embodiment, the background protocol engine 1704 generates theplayback data structure substantially simultaneously with the foregroundprotocol engine 1708 rendering the recorded stream.

In one embodiment, the foreground protocol engine 1708 resides on thefirst device 1702. In another embodiment, shown in shadow in FIG. 17,the foreground protocol engine 1708 resides neither on the first device1702 nor on the second device 1712. In still another embodiment, theforeground protocol engine 1708 resides on a third device. In someembodiments, the foreground protocol engine 1708 comprises a backgroundprotocol engine 1704. In some of these embodiments, the backgroundprotocol engine 1102 and the foreground protocol engine 1106 reside onthe same device. In others of these embodiments, the background protocolengine 1102 and the foreground protocol engine 1106 reside on separatedevices.

In one embodiment, the background protocol engine stores in the playbackdata structure at least one instruction for rendering at least onepacket in the recorded stream. In another embodiment, the backgroundprotocol engine stores metadata in the playback data structure. In yetanother embodiment, the background protocol engine stores in theplayback data structure a record indicating a time to render at leastone packet in the recorded session.

The foreground protocol engine 1708 renders at least one packet in therecorded session responsive to the playback data structure. In oneembodiment, the foreground protocol engine renders at least one packetin the recorded session in a human-perceptible manner and to a buffer.In another embodiment, the foreground protocol engine renders at leastone packet in the recorded session to a buffer.

Referring ahead to FIG. 19, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken in a method for playback of a recorded computer session. Inbrief overview, a background protocol engine receives a recorded streamcomprising a plurality of packets representing display data generated byan application program executing on a second device (step 1902). Thebackground protocol engine determines for at least one packet in therecorded stream, to render the packet in a human-perceptible manner(step 1904). The background protocol engine stores the determination ina playback data structure (step 1906). A foreground protocol engineretrieves at least one packet from the recorded stream (step 1908),access the playback data structure (step 1910), and renders the at leastone packet responsive to the playback data structure (step 1912).

In one embodiment, the protocol engine determines for a packet in therecorded stream to display the packet in a human-perceptible manner(step 1904). The display includes, without limitation, audio, visual,tactile, or olfactory presentations, or combinations of these. In someembodiments, the protocol engine determines to display a packet basedresponsive to the contents of the packet. In one of these embodiments,the protocol engine makes the determination responsive to an indicationof an application program having input focus. In another of theseembodiments, the protocol engine makes the determination responsive toan evaluation of a type of user input stored in the packet. In some ofthese embodiments, the protocol engine makes the determinationresponsive to an evaluation of a type of graphics update stored by thepacket. In others of these embodiments, the protocol engine makes thedetermination responsive to an evaluation of a type of interactionsequence stored by the packet. In one embodiment, the protocol enginestores the determination in a playback data structure (1906).

In one embodiment, the foreground protocol engine receives the recordedsession. In other embodiments, the foreground protocol engine retrievesthe recorded session. In some of these embodiments, the foregroundprotocol engine retrieves the recorded session from a storage element.

In one embodiment, the foreground protocol engine retrieves at least onepacket from the recorded stream (step 1908). In this embodiment, theforeground protocol engine then accesses the playback data structure(step 1910) and renders the contents of the packet responsive to theplayback data structure (step 1912). In some embodiments, the playbackdata structure contains an instruction to render the contents of thepacket in a perceptible manner. In one of these embodiments, theforeground protocol engine renders the contents of the packet on-screen.In some embodiments, the foreground protocol engine always renders thecontents of the at least one packet to a buffer. In many embodiments,when the foreground protocol engine renders the contents of a packet toa buffer, it is an off-screen buffer. In one of these embodiments, theforeground protocol engine renders the contents of the packet to anoff-screen buffer and also renders the contents of the packet on-screen,as directed by the playback data structure.

In other embodiments, the playback data structure comprises aninstruction not to render the contents of the packet in a perceptiblemanner. In one of these embodiments, upon accessing the playback datastructure, the foreground protocol does not render the contents of thepacket in a perceptible manner but does render the contents of thepacket to a buffer.

For embodiments in which the foreground protocol engine renders thecontents of a packet only to an off-screen buffer, responsive to theplayback data structure, the foreground protocol engine perceptiblyregenerates display data differing from the recorded stream. Thisresults, in one embodiment, in a presentation of display data shorterthan the original recorded stream. In some embodiments, the renderedcontents of the packets provide a streamlined regeneration of theoriginal display data. In other embodiments, the rendered contents ofthe packets provide a customized version of the display data. In oneembodiment, the determination to render the contents of the packet in aperceptible manner is responsive to a policy or user request. Theseembodiments provide users with control over the playback of the recordedsession.

Referring ahead to FIG. 21, one embodiment is depicted of rendering arecorded session with perceptible intervals of time containing noactivity eliminated. In this figure, black blocks represents a packet orpackets containing user input and dotted blocks represents a packet orpackets containing graphics commands. The time intervals represented bywhite blocks in both the “User input” and “Graphics” rows have nopackets and hence no activity at all.

One embodiment of a method to eliminate perceptible intervals of timewith no activity is as follows. A first packet in a recorded session isidentified. The recorded session comprises a plurality of packetsrepresenting display data. The nearest previous packet to the firstpacket in the recorded session is identified as a second packet. A firsttime interval is determined, the time interval occurring between saidfirst packet and said second packet. A determination is made that thefirst time interval exceeds a threshold. The contents of the packets inthe recorded session are rendered with a second time interval betweensaid first packet and said second packet shorter than the first timeinterval.

In one embodiment, a protocol engine makes the determinations. In someembodiments, the protocol engine stores the determinations in a playbackdata structure. In one embodiment, the same protocol engine renders therecorded session responsive to the playback data structure. In anotherembodiment, the protocol engine making the determinations comprises abackground protocol engine and the protocol engine rendering therecorded session comprises a foreground protocol engine.

In one embodiment, when the protocol engine determines that the timeinterval exceeds the threshold, the protocol engine categorizes the timeinterval as a perceptible time interval. A time interval is perceptibleif a user of the regenerated recorded session can perceive that a periodof time lacking activity has elapsed. In some embodiments, a policydetermines the threshold. In other embodiments, the protocol engine ishard coded with a predefined threshold. In this embodiment, the protocolengine stores an instruction in the playback data structure to render ashorter time interval between the first and second packets instead ofthe original time interval. In another embodiment, the protocol enginedetermining that the time interval exceeds the threshold also rendersthe contents of the recorded session. In this embodiment, the protocolengine does not store the instruction to render the shorter timeinterval in the playback data structure. For a time interval notcategorized as perceptible, no shortened time interval is needed and theoriginal time interval is rendered between the first and second packets.

Referring back now to FIG. 20, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment ofthe steps taken to generate playback instructions for rendering arecorded session. In brief overview, a type of input stored by a packetin a recorded session is identified (step 2002) and the packet is markedresponsive to the type of input (step 2004). Then a destination forrendering the contents of the packet, responsive to the marking, isstored in a playback data structure.

In one embodiment, the type of input stored by a packet determineswhether or not the packet will be rendered. In one embodiment, thepacket contains no content. In some embodiments, at least one packetcontains no content. In these embodiments, an interval of time comprisedof at least one packet containing no content is identified. In some ofthese embodiments, the interval of time will not be rendered.

In some embodiments, the type of input refers to input from certaintypes of input devices, including, without limitation, a keyboard, amouse, a microphone, or a camera. In one embodiment the step ofidentifying the type of input further comprises identifying the type ofinput as input from an input device. In another embodiment, the step ofidentifying the type of input further comprises identifying the type ofinput as keyboard input. In other embodiments, the type of input is notrelated to the input device. In one of these embodiments, the type ofinput is identified as a command.

The packet containing the input is marked responsive to the type ofinput it contains (step 2004). In one embodiment, the packet is markedresponsive to a policy. In this embodiment, a policy determines thetypes of input which result in a packet being marked. In anotherembodiment, no marking is required.

A destination for rendering the packet is stored in a playback datastructure responsive to the marking (step 2006). In some embodiments,the destination comprises a buffer. In one embodiment, an instruction isstored in the playback data structure, directing rendering of the packetto the buffer. In one embodiment, the buffer is an off-screen buffer andwhen the contents of the packet are rendered to the buffer they are notperceptible to a user of the rendering. In one embodiment, aninstruction is stored in the playback data structure, directingrendering of the marked packet both in a perceptible manner and to abuffer.

In one embodiment, the method eliminates perceptible intervals of timecontaining no meaningful activity. In this embodiment, a policyidentifies a particular type of input as meaningful or as insignificant.The policy may be hard coded into a protocol engine, in someembodiments. In other embodiments, an administrator configures thepolicy.

In some embodiments, a protocol engine identifies a packet asinsignificant if the packet contains no content. In some of thoseembodiments, the packet represents an interval of time in which the nouser activity occurred to be recorded into the recorded stream 1714. Inthese embodiments, the protocol engine stores in a playback datastructure a destination for rendering each of the plurality of packetsin the recorded stream in such a way that any insignificant packet doesnot render in a perceptible manner. FIG. 22 depicts one embodiment of aregenerated recorded stream whose contents are rendered responsive to aplayback data structure. Rendering responsive to the playback datastructure, in this embodiment, allows elimination of intervals of timecontaining no meaningful activity (depicted by the white and stripedblocks in FIG. 22), which includes intervals of time containing noactivity at all. This rendering provides a more meaningful regenerationof the recorded session to a user, where a policy determines whencontent represents meaningful activity. In one embodiment, the contentrepresenting meaningful activity comprises types of user input.

In some embodiments, the protocol engine identifies an input typeresponsive to previously defined input types comprising provablyinsignificant time. In some embodiments, insignificant time includes aninterval of time in which no packet contains any content. In otherembodiments, a policy defines the input types, which constituteinsignificant time. In still other embodiments, a definition of an inputtype comprising provably insignificant time is hard coded into theprotocol engine.

In some embodiments, the contents of a packet represent user activitybut a policy identified the activity as insignificant activity. In oneof these embodiments, the policy defines an insignificant activity asactivity deemed to be of no interest to a user of the regeneratedrecorded session. In another of these embodiments, meaningful packetscontain contents of interest to a user of the regenerated recordedsession, as determined by the policy. In one embodiment, aninsignificant packet has no content representing input meaningfullyinteracting with an application. In another embodiment, the devicetransmitting application data in the protocol data stream from which therecorded stream was created transmitted no meaningful screen updates.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine determines for at least onepacket in the recorded session whether the contents of the packetinclude types of input such as, without limitation, keyboard input,mouse input, or command messages. If the packet does contain a type ofinput such as keyboard input, the protocol engine marks the packet as ameaningful packet. If the packet does not contain that type of input,the protocol engine marks the packet as insignificant. In oneembodiment, the packet is insignificant only if all of its contents areinsignificant. In another embodiment, a packet contains more than onetype of input each of which may be marked as meaningful orinsignificant.

In one embodiment, when the protocol engine marks a packet asinsignificant, the protocol engine determines that the contents of thepacket should not render in a perceptible manner. In some embodiments,the protocol engine determines instead that the contents of the packetshould render to a buffer. In one of these embodiments, the buffer is anoff-screen buffer. If the packet is marked as a meaningful packet, theprotocol engine determines, in one embodiment, that the contents of thepacket should render in a perceptible manner. In some embodiments, aperceptible manner comprises rendering on-screen. In one embodiment, theprotocol engine determines that the packet should render both in aperceptible manner and to a buffer. In this embodiment, the contents ofthe packet render both to an on-screen display and to an off-screenbuffer. The protocol engine stores the determination in the playbackdata structure.

In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 22, certain packets in the recordingstream have content representing meaningful user activity, in thisembodiment a mouse input indicating an active mouse button staterepresented by the black blocks in FIG. 22. Other packets in therecording stream have content representing mouse input indicating aninactive mouse button state, represented by the striped blocks in FIG.22. The protocol engine identifies at least one packet containing onlyinsignificant activity, such as a mouse input indicating an inactivemouse button state, and stores in a playback data structure adetermination that the contents of the packet should not render in aperceptible manner. By making this determination, a protocol enginerendering the contents of the recorded stream responsive to the playbackdata structure regenerates only the display data relevant to the user ofthe regenerated recorded session, where a policy defines relevance orwhere the protocol engine comprises a definition of relevant content.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken to eliminate periods with no meaningful activity inrendering a recorded session. A first time interval is determined, thetime interval occurring between a marked packet and a nearest previousmarked packet in a recorded session (step 2302). The recorded sessioncomprises a plurality of packets representing display data. Adetermination is made that the first time interval exceeds a threshold(step 2304). The contents of the packets in the recorded session arerendered with a second time interval between the marked packet and thenearest previous marked packet shorter than the first time interval(step 2306).

In one embodiment, a protocol engine makes the determinations. In someembodiments, the protocol engine stores the determinations in a playbackdata structure. In one embodiment, the same protocol engine renders therecorded session responsive to the playback data structure. In anotherembodiment, the protocol engine making the determinations comprises abackground protocol engine and the protocol engine rendering therecorded session comprises a foreground protocol engine.

In some embodiments, the protocol engine makes the determination of thefirst time interval (step 2302) and whether or not the first timeinterval exceeds a threshold (step 2304) after a packet has been markedas a meaningful packet responsive to the type of input contained in thepacket. In one of these embodiments, the type of output contained in thepacket impacts the determination to mark the packet. In one embodiment,the protocol engine determines the time interval between the packetmarked as meaningful and the nearest previous meaningful packet, or thestart of the recording if there are no previous meaningful packets. Inanother embodiment, the protocol engine renders the contents of therecorded session with a second time interval between the marked packetand a previous packet said second time interval comprising a shortertime interval than the first time interval. In another embodiment, theprotocol engine renders the contents of the recorded session with asecond time interval between the marked packet and a packet followingthe marked packet, said second time interval comprising a shorter timeinterval than the first time interval.

In one embodiment, when the protocol engine determines that the timeinterval exceeds the threshold (step 2304), the protocol enginecategorizes the time interval as a perceptible time interval. A timeinterval is perceptible if a user of the regenerated recorded sessioncan perceive that a period of time s lacking activity has elapsed. Insome embodiments, a policy determines the threshold. In otherembodiments, the protocol engine is hard coded with a predefinedthreshold. In this embodiment, the protocol engine stores an instructionin the playback data structure to render a shorter time interval betweenthe two meaningful packets instead of the original time interval. Inanother embodiment, the protocol engine determining that the timeinterval exceeds the threshold also renders the contents of the recordedsession. In this embodiment, the protocol engine does not store theinstruction to render the shorter time interval in the playback datastructure. For a time interval not categorized as perceptible, noshortened time interval is needed and the original time interval isrendered between the two meaningful packets.

In some embodiments, contents of a packet in the recorded streamrepresent graphics updates affecting a screen region. In one embodiment,the graphics updates include, without limitation, flashing system trayicons, title bars or task bar entries, blinking text in web pages orapplications, clock displays, system animations, application animations,and stock tickers and other periodically updated information displays.In some embodiments, graphics updates such as these are determined to beinsignificant to a user of a regeneration of the recorded stream. In oneof these embodiments, a protocol engine comprises this determination. Inanother of these embodiments, a policy defines at least one graphicsupdate as insignificant. In this embodiment, an administrator generatesthe policy. In another embodiment, a user of the regeneration of therecorded stream generates the policy.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken to eliminate a graphics update in rendering a recordedsession. In brief overview, a graphics update is identified (step 2402)and the screen region affected by the graphics update is determined(step 2404). An indication of the location and state of the affectedscreen region is stored (step 2406) and a second graphics updateaffecting the state of the screen region is identified (step 2408). Thena destination for rendering and a time interval for rendering areindicated, responsive to whether the second graphics update varies theregion affected by the first graphics update (step 2410 and step 2412).

In one embodiment, a protocol engine performs the steps depicted by FIG.24. In this embodiment, the protocol engine identifies a packet in arecorded session, said recorded session representing display datagenerated by an application program and said packet containing a firstgraphics update. The protocol engine determines a screen region affectedby the first graphics update. In one embodiment, the graphics updateaffects a screen region by changing the data displayed on that portionof the screen. The protocol engine stores an indication of the state ofthe screen region after the first graphics update and the location ofthe screen region. In one embodiment, the protocol engine stores a copyof the updated screen region. In another embodiment, the protocol enginestores a hash of the updated screen region.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine identifies a second graphicsupdate affecting the screen region within a time interval. In someembodiments, a policy determines the length of the time interval. In oneof these embodiments, the policy determines a time intervalapproximating the upper limit of human scale cyclic periods used byapplications and operating systems. In one embodiment, when a region ofthe screen goes through a cyclic display, at a period designed to beviewed by the user (for example, a significant fraction of a second upto several seconds), the display comprises a human scale cyclic period.In some embodiments, the protocol engine comprises a definition of thelength of the time interval.

In an embodiment where the protocol engine identifies a second graphicsupdate affecting the screen region affected by the first graphicsupdate, the protocol engine determines whether the state of the screenregion after the second graphics update varies from the state of thescreen region after the first graphics update. If the screen region doesnot vary after the second graphics update, the second graphics updateneed not render in the regenerated recorded session. A screen graphicsupdate in this embodiment need not render since the protocol enginedetermined that the graphics update is performing a cycle of drawingcommands at human-scale speeds, making the update observable to a userof the regenerated recorded session, but the graphics update carriesinsignificant information for the user. In some embodiments, thegraphics update affects the screen region by drawing, withoutlimitation, a caret flashing, a flashing taskbar icon, a networkactivity indicator, or scrolling text. In some embodiments, a policydetermines that affecting a screen region with that type of graphicsupdate does not constitute a meaningful activity and should not renderin the regeneration of the recorded session for a user. In otherembodiments, the protocol engine comprises this determination.

In one embodiment, an indication of a destination for rendering thesecond packet containing the second graphic update affecting the screenregion is stored in a playback data structure, responsive to whether thescreen region varies after the second graphics update. In anotherembodiment, an indication of a time interval to render associated withthe second packet containing the second graphic update affecting thescreen region is stored in a playback data structure, responsive towhether the state of the screen region after the second graphics updatevaries from the state of the screen region after the first graphicsupdate.

FIG. 25 depicts one embodiment of rendering the regenerated recordedsession responsive to indications stored in a playback data structure,responsive to whether the state of the screen region after the secondgraphics update varies from the state of the screen region after thefirst graphics update. In one embodiment, the screen region affected bythe first graphics update does not vary after the second graphicsupdate. In this embodiment, an indication is stored in a playback datastructure not to render the second graphics update in a perceptiblemanner. In one embodiment, not perceptibly rendering the second graphicsupdate comprises rendering the second graphics update off-screen and noton-screen. In some embodiments, not perceptibly rendering the secondgraphics update comprises rendering the second graphics update to anoff-screen buffer. In one embodiment, not perceptibly rendering thesecond graphics update comprises not rendering the second graphicsupdate. In some embodiments, a determination not to render the secondgraphics update perceptibly comprises rendering a perceptible indicationthat the graphics update is not rendered. In one of these embodiments, auser of the regenerated recorded session may request that the secondgraphics update render perceptibly.

FIG. 25 depicts an embodiment in which a cyclic update is detected bydetermining that the state of the screen region after the secondgraphics update does not vary from the state of the screen region afterthe first graphics update and determining not to render the secondgraphics update responsive to the detection of the cyclic update. In oneembodiment where the state of the screen region affected by the secondgraphics update varies from the state of the screen region after thefirst graphics update, a determination is made to render the contents ofthe packet in a perceptible manner and to a buffer.

In some embodiments, the contents of a plurality of packets represent agraphics update. In one of these embodiments, a determination to rendera graphics update in a perceptible manner is made responsive to theeffects of more than two graphics updates on a screen region. In oneembodiment, the determination of a destination for rendering a graphicsupdate is responsive to the graphics update represented by the contentsof each packet in the identified plurality of packets.

In some embodiments, contents of a packet in the recorded streamrepresent an interaction sequence. In one embodiment, the interactionsequence comprises, without limitation, a logon sequence, a logoffsequence, or the entering of credentials. In some embodiments,interaction sequences such as these are determined to be insignificantto a user of a regeneration of the recorded stream. In one of theseembodiments, a protocol engine comprises this determination. In anotherof these embodiments, a policy defines at least one interaction sequenceas insignificant. In this embodiment, an administrator generates thepolicy. In another embodiment, a user of the regeneration of therecorded stream generates the policy.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken to eliminate interaction sequences in rendering a recordedsession. A start of an interaction sequence of at least one packet isidentified responsive to a policy (step 2602). In a playback datastructure there is an indication that the interaction sequence shouldrender to a buffer (step 2604). A termination of the interactionsequence of at least one packet is identified (step 2606). A first timeinterval between a packet preceding the identified start of theinteraction sequence and a packet following the identified terminationof the interaction sequence is identified (step 2608). A playback datastructure contains an indication to render a second time intervalshorter than the first time interval (step 2610).

In one embodiment, a protocol engine makes the identifications andindications to eliminate an interaction sequence. An identification of astart of an interaction sequence is made (step 2602). In one embodiment,the start of the interaction sequence is identified by identifying avisual marker. In one embodiment, a visual marker comprises acredentials window, displayed in the same way for all sessions. Inanother embodiment, a visual marker comprises a replacement of acredentials window by a blank screen and then by a desktop background.In one embodiment, a visual marker comprises the display of recognizableicons.

In some embodiments, a start of an interaction sequence is identified bydetermining a start time of an interaction sequence. In one of theseembodiments, a component detects the start time of an event in aninteraction sequence. In another of these embodiments, the componentdetects the start time of a logon sequence. In still others of theseembodiments, the component detects the start time of a logoff sequence.In one embodiment, the identification of the start of the interactionsequence is responsive to identifying a window with an input focus.

An indication is made in a playback data structure that an interactionsequence should render in a buffer (step 2604). In this embodiment,where an identified interaction sequence should not render perceptibly,the interaction sequence is rendered to a buffer. Rendering theinteraction sequence to a buffer results in the interaction sequencebeing imperceptible to a user of the rendering. For embodiments where apolicy or user categorized the interaction sequence as insignificant,this rendering results in the elimination of an insignificantinteraction sequence.

An identification of a termination of an interaction sequence is alsomade (step 2606). In some embodiments, the termination of theinteraction sequence is identified by identifying a visual marker. Inother embodiments, a termination of an interaction sequence isidentified by determining a termination time of the interactionsequence. In one of these embodiments, a component detects thetermination time of an event in an interaction sequence. In another ofthese embodiments, the component detects the termination time of a logonsequence. In still others of these embodiments, the component detectsthe termination time of a logoff sequence. In another embodiment,identifying the termination of the interaction sequence is responsive toidentifying a window with an input focus.

In some embodiments, an interaction sequence comprises use of anapplication. In one of these embodiments, a policy identifiesinteraction sequences comprising use of an application that should notrender in a perceptible manner. In one embodiment, such applicationsinclude, without limitation, word processing documents.

In one of these embodiments, a start of an interaction sequence isidentified by identifying an application having input focus. When thecontents of a packet represent a window having focus, a determination ismade as to the application responsible for the process that created thewindow. In one embodiment, the contents of the packet representing awindow having focus include window notification messages indicating achange in input focus. If the responsible application identifies a startof an interaction sequence which should not render perceptibly, anindication is stored in a playback data structure to render theinteraction sequence to a buffer. A termination of an interactionsequence is identified by identifying the acquisition of focus by awindow owned by a process not associated with the application of theinteraction sequence.

In one embodiment, a first time interval is associated with theinteraction sequence. Perceptibly rendering the time interval associatedwith the interaction sequence in an embodiment where the interactionsequence itself does not render results in a period of time perceptibleto a user of the rendering in which no display data renders and the userwaits through the time interval before a rendering of the contents of apacket after the interaction sequence. One embodiment eliminates thetime interval associated with the interaction sequence by rendering ashorter time interval in place of the original time interval. In thisembodiment, a first time interval between a packet preceding theidentified start of the interaction sequence and a packet following theidentified termination of the interaction sequence is identified (step2608). A playback data structure contains an indication to render asecond time interval shorter than the first time interval (step 2610).

In some embodiments, a protocol engine renders the contents of a packetin a recorded session, providing to a user a regeneration of therecorded session. In some of these embodiments, the protocol engineautomatically varies the time intervals between rendering the contentsof at least one packet, resulting in context-sensitive time-warpedplayback. In these embodiments, rendering approximates the ability ofthe user to comprehend the display data presented to the user. In oneembodiment, the time intervals between rendering contents of packetsincrease when the protocol engine determines the display datarepresented by the contents of the packets to have an increased level ofcomplexity or importance, as defined by a policy. In another embodiment,the time intervals between rendering contents of packets decrease whenthe protocol engine determines the display data represented by thecontents of the packets to have a decreased level of complexity orimportance, as defined by a policy. In these embodiments, the protocolengine approximates the ability of the user to comprehend the displaydata and renders the contents either more slowly to give the user timeto comprehend the rendering or renders the contents faster when a userrequires less comprehension time.

Referring now to FIG. 27, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken in automatic time-warped playback in rendering a recordedcomputer session. A protocol engine receives a recorded session (step2702), the recorded session comprising a plurality of packets andrepresenting display data, and the protocol engine determining a measureof complexity represented by at least some of the plurality of packetsin the recorded session (step 2704). The protocol engine identifies aninterval of time between the at least some of the plurality of packetsin the recorded session (step 2706) and modifies the interval of timeresponsive to the measure of complexity represented by the at least someof the plurality of packets in the recorded session (step 2708). Theprotocol engine stores in a playback data structure the modifiedinterval of time (step 2710) and the recorded data stream is renderedresponsive to the playback data structure (step 2712).

In some embodiments, the protocol engine determining the measure ofcomplexity, identifying the interval of time, modifying the interval oftime and storing the modification is a background protocol engine. Inone of these embodiments, the background protocol engine also rendersthe recorded stream. In another of these embodiments, a foregroundprotocol engine renders the recorded stream responsive to the playbackdata structure. In some embodiments, the background protocol engine andthe foreground protocol engine reside on the same device. In otherembodiments, the background protocol engine and the foreground protocolengine reside on separate devices.

In some embodiments, the protocol engine determines a measure ofcomplexity represented by at least some of a plurality of packets in therecorded session (step 2704). In some of these embodiments, the protocolengine determines the measure of complexity by identifying likelysequences of typing in keyboard input. In one embodiment, the protocolengine inspects at least one type of key involved to identify likelysequences of typing in keyboard input. In another embodiment, theprotocol engine inspects a sequence of at least one glyph rendered tocomplete a heuristic approximation of likely sequences of typing inkeyboard input.

In some of these embodiments, the protocol engine stores classificationsof keys determined by characteristics of the key. Key characteristicsinclude, without limitation printable or non-printable characters, whitespace, navigation keys, or function keys, and include combinations ofcharacteristics. In one embodiment, a protocol engine determines thatsections of input comprising printable characters and occasionalnavigation keys constitute normal typing, while sections with mostlynon-visible keys do not constitute normal typing. In one embodiment, theprotocol engine determines a measure of complexity responsive to theamount of white space identified. In this embodiment, the protocolengine comprises a definition of word processing indicating that a whitespace key appears on average approximately every 5-8 characters intypical typing patterns.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine uses the appearance ofnon-printable characters to determine the measure of complexity. Inanother embodiment, the protocol engine accesses the keystroke sequencesto identify sequences of non-white space printable characters appearingclose together in time. In this embodiment, the protocol enginecomprises the capacity to compare the keystroke sequences to adictionary to identify valid words and determine a measure of complexityrelating to an ability of a user to comprehend valid words versusinvalid words.

In another embodiment, the protocol engine determines that the contentsof the packet contain commands to render glyphs. In this embodiment, theprotocol engine uses the glyphs to determine whether the display datarepresents a user activity of typing. In this embodiment, if a glyphrendering rate approximates the keyboard input rate with a small delay,it is likely that keystrokes are directly resulting in glyphs, thusmaking it quite likely the user is typing. In one embodiment, theprotocol engine correlates the keys entered with the glyphs produced. Inanother embodiment, the protocol engine determines the spatial sequence(left-to-right, right-to-left, etc.) of the rendered glyphs to determinethat a user is typing. In one embodiment, the protocol engine makes thedetermination of the measure of complexity responsive to the result ofanalyzing the contents of the plurality of packets and identifyingpatterns and activities represented by the contents.

In other embodiments, the protocol engine makes the determination of themeasure of complexity responsive to an identification of a type of mouseinput. In one embodiment, the protocol engine determines that a mouseinput representing a click of the mouse causes actions that may need aslower rendering rate to comprehend, especially if the clicks follow asequence of typing. In another embodiment, the protocol enginedetermines that mouse input that does not represent a clicking of amouse does not affect the ability of a user to comprehend display data,and thus does not affect the measure of complexity.

In other embodiments, the protocol engine makes the determination of themeasure of complexity responsive to identifying a heuristicapproximation of complexity of a graphics update. In one embodiment, theprotocol engine identifies a heuristic approximation of complexity of agraphics update based upon, without limitation, the size of region(s)being updated, the size of the area of the region changed by thegraphics commands, a historical frequency of updates to individualregions, cyclic graphics commands, number of graphics commands,frequency of graphics commands, time interval between adjacent packetswhose contents contain graphics command, or the type of graphics update.In an embodiment where the protocol engine identifies a low measure ofcomplexity for the graphics update, the protocol engine determines a lowmeasure of complexity represented by the packets containing the graphicsupdates. In an embodiment where the protocol engine identifies a highmeasure of complexity for the graphics update, the protocol enginedetermines a high measure of complexity represented by the packetscontaining the graphics updates.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine identifies an interval of timebetween the at least some of the plurality of packets in the recordedsession (step 2706). In this embodiment, the protocol engine modifiesthe interval of time responsive to the determined measure of complexity(step 2708). In an embodiment where at least some of the plurality ofpackets in the recorded session have content representing display dataassociated with a high measure of complexity, the protocol engineincreases the interval of time between the packets to allow the user ofthe rendering increased time to comprehend the rendered display data. Inanother embodiment where at least some of the plurality of packets inthe recorded session have content representing display data associatedwith a low measure of complexity, the protocol engine decreases theinterval of time between the packets to reflect decreased amount of timethe user requires to comprehend the rendered display data. In oneembodiment, a user requires a different amount of time between therendered contents of packets than the amount rendered by the protocolengine. In this embodiment, the user modifies the interval of time toreflect the amount of time the user requires to comprehend the rendereddisplay data. In some embodiments, the protocol engine also identifies atime interval between the at least some of the plurality of packets andother packets in the plurality of packets, modifying the interval oftime identified between those sets of packets.

In some embodiments, the protocol engine identifies a first markerassociated with a packet in the recorded session. In one embodiment, thepacket comprises the marker. In another embodiment, the recorded sessioncomprises the marker.

In one embodiment, a user of the rendering of the display data definesthe marker. In another embodiment, the protocol engine defines themarker. In embodiments where the protocol engine identifies a marker,the protocol engine modifies the interval of time responsive to thefirst marker. In one embodiment, the protocol engine increases theinterval of time providing the user of the rendering of the display dataadditional time for comprehending the contents of the packet associatedwith the first marker. In other embodiments, the protocol engineidentifies a second marker in a second packet. In this embodiment, theprotocol engine modifies the interval of time responsive to the distancebetween the first marker and the second marker. In this embodiment, theprotocol engine provides increased time for comprehension of displaydata represented by contents of packets marked and decreased time forcomprehension of data represented by contents of unmarked packets. Inone embodiment, a user defines markers for display data of interest tothe user and the protocol engine renders additional time for the displaydata of interest to the user and decreases time of rendering for displaydata not of interest to the user, as determined by the markers.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine identifies a first marker in theat least some of the plurality of packets in the recorded session, saidmarker indicating an initial packet in the at least some of theplurality of packets in the recorded session. The protocol enginemodifies the interval of time responsive to the first marker. Theprotocol engine identifies a second marker in a second packet in the atleast some of the plurality of packets in the recorded session, saidsecond marker indicating a final packet in the at least some of theplurality of packets in the recorded session and modifying the intervalof time responsive to the interval of time between the first marker andthe second marker.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine stores the modified interval oftime in a playback data structure (step 2710) and the recorded stream isrendered responsive to the contents of the playback data structure (step2712). In one embodiment, the protocol engine also renders the recordedstream responsive to the playback data structure instructions regardingmodified time intervals. In another embodiment, a separate foregroundprotocol engine renders the recorded stream.

In some embodiments, a determination is made that recorded interactionwith an application requires increased time for rendering, to provide auser of the rendering increased time for comprehension of the rendereddisplay data. In some of these embodiments, the determination is madethat the application requiring increased time comprises a more importantapplication than an application not requiring the increased time. In oneof these embodiments, the user makes the determination. In another ofthese embodiments, a policy makes the determination. In still another ofthese embodiments, the protocol engine comprises a definition ofapplications that require increased time.

Referring now to FIG. 28, a flow diagram depicts one embodiment of thesteps taken for automatic time-warped playback responsive to anidentified application in rendering a recorded computer session. Arecorded session comprising a plurality of packets and representingdisplay data is received (step 2802). A first packet having a contentrepresenting a window having focus is identified, said window indicatingan application (step 2804). A time interval is identified between asecond packet whose contents render prior to the rendering of thecontent of the first packet and a third packet whose contents renderafter the rendering of the content of the first packet (step 2806). Theidentified time interval is modified responsive to the indicatedapplication (step 2808). At least one packet in the recorded stream isrendered responsive to the modification (step 2810).

In one embodiment, a protocol engine receives the recorded session (step2802). In this embodiment, the protocol engine also identifies a firstpacket having a content representing a window having focus isidentified, said window indicating an application (step 2804). In oneembodiment, the contents of the packet representing a window havingfocus include window notification messages indicating a change in inputfocus. In one embodiment, a time interval is identified between a secondpacket whose contents render prior to the rendering of the content ofthe first packet and a third packet whose contents render after therendering of the content of the first packet (step 2806). In thisembodiment, the protocol engine identifies a packet whose contentsrender prior to the rendering of content representing an applicationwindow having focus, a packet whose contents represent the applicationwindow having focus, and a packet whose contents represent theapplication window no longer having focus.

In some embodiments, the protocol engine modifies the time intervalpreceding the application having focus. In other embodiments, theprotocol engine modifies the time interval following the applicationhaving focus. In one embodiment, the protocol engine then determines theinterval of time in which the application window has focus and modifiesthat time interval responsive to the type of application. In oneembodiment, the protocol engine increases the identified time interval.In this embodiment, the protocol engine provides the user of therendering an increased amount of time to review the application. Inanother embodiment, the protocol engine decreases the identified timeinterval. In this embodiment, the protocol engine provides the user ofthe rendering a decreased amount of time to review the application,reflecting the decreased amount of interest in the application.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine renders at least one packet inthe recorded stream responsive to the modification. In one embodiment,the protocol engine renders the contents of the at least one packet inthe recorded stream to a buffer. In one embodiment, rendering to abuffer does not render the contents of the packet in a perceptiblemanner. In another embodiment, the protocol engine renders the contentsof the at least one packet in the recorded stream to a buffer and in aperceptible manner. In some embodiments, the protocol engine indicatesthe modified time interval in a playback data structure and a separateprotocol engine renders the recorded session responsive to theinformation stored in the playback data structure.

Referring now to FIG. 29, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of asystem for automatic time-warped playback in rendering a recordedcomputer session, including a protocol engine 2902, a recorded stream2910, a playback data structure 2904, and a display 2908. In briefoverview, the protocol engine 2902 generates a playback data structure2904 in response to receiving a recorded stream 2910, said recordedstream 2910 comprising a plurality of packets, and said protocol engine2902 rendering at least one packet in the recorded stream responsive tothe generated playback data structure 2904.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine 2902 comprises a backgroundprotocol engine and a foreground protocol engine. In this embodiment,the background protocol engine receives the recorded stream 2910 andgenerates the playback data structure 2904. In this embodiment, theforeground protocol engine receives the recorded stream 2910 and rendersat least one packet in the recorded stream responsive to the generatedplayback data structure 2904. In one embodiment, the background protocolengine and the foreground protocol engine reside on the same device. Inanother embodiment, the background protocol engine resides on a firstdevice and the foreground protocol engine resides on a second device.

In another embodiment, the system comprises a single protocol engine2902 generating the playback data structure 2904 and rendering at leastone packet in the recorded stream responsive to the generated playbackdata structure 2904.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine 2902 stores in the playback datastructure at least one instruction for rendering the recorded session.In one embodiment, the instruction comprises a modification of anidentified time interval for rendering the contents of a packet in therecorded session. In IS another embodiment, the protocol engine storesmetadata in the playback data structure. In this embodiment, themetadata comprises higher order instructions for rendering the contentsof the packet.

In one embodiment, the protocol engine renders the contents of at leastone packet in the recorded session responsive to contents of a playbackdata structure. In one embodiment, the protocol engine renders the atleast one packet in the recorded session in a perceptible manner and toa buffer. In another embodiment, the protocol engine renders the atleast one packet in the recorded session to a buffer.

In some embodiments, the rendered contents of the packets provide astreamlined regeneration of the original display data. In otherembodiments, the rendered contents of the packets provide a customizedversion of the display data. In one embodiment, the determination torender the contents of the packet in a perceptible manner is responsiveto a policy or user request. These embodiments provide users withcontrol over the rendering of the recorded session.

The present invention may be provided as one or more computer-readableprograms embodied on or in one or more articles of manufacture. Thearticle of manufacture may be a floppy disk, a hard disk, a compactdisc, a digital versatile disc, a flash memory card, a PROM, a RAM, aROM, or a magnetic tape. In general, the computer-readable programs maybe implemented in any programming language. Some examples of languagesthat can be used include C, C++, C#, or JAVA. The software programs maybe stored on or in one or more articles of manufacture as object code.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tospecific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the following claims.

1. A method of generating playback instructions for rendering a recordedsession, the method comprising the steps of: (a) identifying a type ofinput stored by a packet in a recorded session, said recorded sessioncomprising a plurality of packets representing display data generated byan application program; (b) marking the packet responsive to the type ofinput; and (c) storing, in a playback data structure, a destination forrendering the contents of the packet responsive to the marking.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein step (a) further comprises identifying thetype of input as input from an input device.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein step (a) further comprises identifying the type of input askeyboard input.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) furthercomprises identifying the type of input as a command.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises marking the packetresponsive to a policy.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein step (c)further comprises storing, in a playback data structure, an instructionto render the contents of the marked packet in a perceptible manner andto a buffer.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) furthercomprises storing, in the playback data structure, an instruction torender the contents of the marked packet to a buffer.
 8. A method ofeliminating a period of inactivity in rendering a recorded session, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) identifying a first packet in arecorded session, said recorded session comprising a plurality ofpackets and representing display data; (b) identifying a second packetin the recorded session, said second packet immediately preceding thefirst packet; (c) determining a first time interval between the firstpacket and the second packet; (d) determining that the first timeinterval exceeds a threshold; and (e) rendering the contents of therecorded session with a second time interval between the first packetand the second packet, said second time interval comprising a shortertime interval than the first time interval.
 9. The method of claim 8wherein step (e) further comprises storing, in a playback datastructure, an indication to render the contents of the recorded sessionwith the second time interval between the first packet and the secondpacket.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein step (e) further comprisesidentifiying a second packet in the recorded session, said second packetimmediately following the first packet.
 11. A method of eliminating aperiod containing no meaningful activity in rendering a recordedsession, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a firsttime interval between a marked packet and a nearest previous markedpacket in a recorded session, said recorded session comprising aplurality of packets and representing display data; (b) determining thatthe first time interval exceeds a threshold; and (c) rendering thecontents of the recorded session with a second time interval between themarked packet and the nearest previous marked packet, said second timeinterval comprising a shorter time interval than the first timeinterval.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein step (c) further comprisesrendering the contents of the recorded session with a second timeinterval between the marked packet and a previous packet said secondtime interval comprising a shorter time interval than the first timeinterval.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein step (c) further comprisesrendering the contents of the recorded session with a second timeinterval between the marked packet and a packet following the markedpacket, said second time interval comprising a shorter time intervalthan the first time interval.
 14. A method of eliminating graphicsupdates in rendering a recorded session, the method comprising the stepsof: (a) identifying a packet in a recorded session representing displaydata generated by an application program, said packet containing a firstgraphics update; (b) determining a screen region affected by the firstgraphics update; (c) storing an indication of the state of the screenregion after the first graphics update and the location of the screenregion; (d) identifying a second graphics update affecting the screenregion within a time interval; and (e) indicating in a playback datastructure a destination for rendering a second packet containing thesecond graphic update affecting the screen region, responsive to whetherthe state of the screen region after the second graphics update variesfrom the state of the screen region after the first graphics update. (f)indicating in a playback data structure a time interval to renderassociated with the second packet containing the second graphic updateaffecting the screen region, responsive to whether the state of thescreen region after the second graphics update varies from the state ofthe screen region after the first graphics update.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein step (b) further comprises identifying a graphicsupdate contained within a plurality of packets.
 16. The method of claim14, wherein step (b) further comprises determining the screen regionaffected responsive to the graphics update stored by each packet in theidentified plurality of packets.
 17. The method of claim 14, whereinstep (c) further comprises storing a copy of the screen region affectedby the graphics update.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein step (d)further comprises a time interval that is defined to approximate anupper limit of a human scale cyclic period.
 19. The method of claim 14,wherein step (e) further comprises indicating, by the backgroundprotocol engine, in a playback data structure, that the contents of thepacket render in a perceptible manner and to a buffer.
 20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein step (e) further comprises indicating, by thebackground protocol engine, in a playback data structure, that thecontents of the packet render to a buffer.
 21. A method of eliminatinginteraction sequences in rendering a recorded session, the methodcomprising the steps of: (a) Identifying, responsive to a policy, astart of an interaction sequence of at least one packet; (b) Indicating,in a playback data structure, that the interaction sequence shouldrender to a buffer; (c) identifying a termination of an interactionsequence; (d) identifying a first time interval between a packetpreceding the identified start of the interaction sequence and a packetfollowing the identified termination of the interaction sequence; and(e) indicating, in a playback data structure, a second time interval torender shorter than the first time interval.
 22. The method of claim 21,wherein the interaction sequence comprises a log-on sequence.
 23. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the interaction sequence comprises a log-offsequence.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein a policy defines theinteraction sequence.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein step (a)further comprises identifying the start of the interaction sequence byidentifying a visual marker.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein step(a) further comprises identifying the start of the interaction sequenceby determining a start time of an interaction sequence.
 27. The methodof claim 21, wherein step (a) further comprises identifying the start ofthe interaction sequence responsive to identifying a window with aninput focus.
 28. The method of claim 21, wherein step (c) furthercomprises identifying the termination of the interaction sequence byidentifying a visual marker.
 29. The method of claim 21, wherein step(c) further comprises identifying the termination of the interactionsequence by determining a termination time of an interaction sequence.30. The method of claim 21, wherein step (c) further comprisesidentifying the termination of the interaction sequence responsive toidentifying a window with an input focus.